No sooner did the Patriots bid adieu to Wes Welker than they brought aboard the player they likely believe will pick up where Welker left off: Danny Amendola.

Amendola, who spent the first four seasons of his career with the St. Louis Rams, has signed a five-year deal reported to be worth $31 million, with $10 million guaranteed.

New England had Amendola in its sights for months, and at 27, he is four years younger than Welker. But Amendola hasn't been a model of durability: He's played 12 games in the last two years, including just one in 2011, when Josh McDaniels was his offensive coordinator with the Rams.

Listed at 5 feet 11 inches, 188 pounds, Amendola has 196 receptions for 1,726 yards (8.8 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns in his career; he also has experience as a kickoff and punt returner.

Amendola is the third player McDaniels coached in St. Louis who is now with the Patriots, following Brandon Lloyd and Michael Hoomanawanui.

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